Rep. Jackson 'more serious than we thought'

The congressman's staff "was recently made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time," the statement says.

It says Jackson is being evaluated and treated at an in-patient medical facility, and his doctors believe he will be there for an extended period of time, with outpatient treatment after that.

This is the first update on Jackson's health in more than a week, since his staff announced he was on medical leave and being treated for exhaustion.

The Chicago Democrat, who faces a House ethics investigation over his ties to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has been on medical leave for three weeks for exhaustion. His office did not announce the news until last week, when it released a three-sentence statement. But no details about Jackson's whereabouts and condition had been released since then.

Today's statement gave no information on his location anddid not provide details of his medical condition.

The congressman also has acknowledged a private marital issue.

Since taking leave, Jackson has missed several dozen votes.

Here is the text of the statement released by Jackson's office:

“Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed. Recently, we have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time.

"At present, he is undergoing further evaluation and treatment at an in-patient medical facility. According to the preliminary diagnosis from his doctors, Congressman Jackson will need to receive extended in-patient treatment as well as continuing medical treatment thereafter.

"We ask that you keep Congressman Jackson and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period.”